P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Back in November at the FIA World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, RACER caught wind of an ongoing debate involving the FIA, ACO and Hypercar manufacturers concerning car updates and the u…
At the FIA WEC finale in Bahrain last November, RACER revealed a debate involving the FIA, ACO, and Hypercar manufacturers on car updates including performance evo “Jokers.” Efforts are being made to tighten regulations to restrict midseason Jokers in FIA WEC and IMSA to aid Balance of Performance and combat intensifying competition. The ongoing discussions aim to bring stability to the category’s future and manage evolving cars efficiently.
A proposal to ban mid-season updates for LMH and LMDh cars was floated during recent technical meetings, setting the stage for a more controlled BoP process. This proposed change seeks to standardize regulations across the Hypercar and GTP categories to streamline competition management and reduce disparities caused by differing car evolution speeds. Additionally, it may lead to reduced spending and more strategic planning by manufacturers.
The current process for evolving top-class prototypes lacks strict guidelines, relying heavily on negotiations and schedule constraints with the rule-makers. Manufacturers like Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari, and Peugeot have faced challenges in updating their cars, balancing various phases like simulation work, track testing, paperwork filing, and supply chain logistics. The introduction of mid-season upgrades, such as Porsche’s crankshaft change for the 963 model, can be complex and demand thorough preparation to ensure reliability and compliance.
